Kinsmen celebrates a century of giving

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This article was published 30/03/2024 (569 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For 100 years, the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg has been a force of generosity in communities across Manitoba.

Started as a regional organization in 1921 with clubs in Hamilton and Montreal, the long-running service organization further expanded across Western Canada and opened clubs in Atlantic Canada. The Winnipeg chapter held its first general meeting on Feb. 20, 1924, and has been going strong ever since.

Since 2021, the Winnipeg Kinsmen chapter has donated over $8 million to nearly 200 community organizations and individuals across Manitoba, along with thousands of hours of service.

As president of the Winnipeg Kinsmen Club, with a current membership of about 25, Christian Tardi has appreciated the opportunity to serve the community since 2018.

“The Winnipeg Kinsmen organization is built on the pillars of community service, fellowship and a genuine desire to improve the lives of those in need,” said Tardi, a husband, father, health and safety professional and passionate community volunteer.

“It is our belief that when people come together with a shared goal of giving back, incredible things can happen. We support hundreds of community organizations across Winnipeg and Manitoba.”

The work of the Kinsmen Club was recently given special notice by the Manitoba government. After a century of community service, Feb. 20 was declared as Kinsmen Recognition Day, illustrating that when a group of people come together with a common goal, amazing things can happen.

“A hundred years is kind of mind blowing,” said Tardi, who has acted as both vice president of projects and president.

“That an organization can be that sustainable emphasizes the importance of continuing the work we are doing,” he added, noting that the proclamation ceremony included three plaques filled with long lists of past presidents.

“The legacy those individuals have left behind, the contributions that have been made, the impact, it’s pretty spectacular.”

Some notable examples of community giving include a $1 million donation to Homes for Heroes and funding for Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba, Bruce Oake Recovery Centre and Toba Centre.

Winnipeg Kinsmen is also actively involved with several organizations including Special Olympics Manitoba, Agape Table, the Dream Factory and Deer Lodge Centre.

It is also responsible for the highly popular Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo and the Kin Kar Raffle. Over the years, money raised from these ongoing fundraisers has helped start projects such as the Kinsmen Discovery Centre at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, Harvest Manitoba, Operation Go Home (Winnipeg), Easter Seals Manitoba and the Red River Exhibition.

Tardi is particularly proud of the work done by One Voice One Team, a youth leadership and empowerment group from Ontario that is now providing programming here in school and summer camps.

“It has been an incredible success. The organization has made some amazing progress in our inner city and across our province. The youth partnered with leadership development who offered them employment full time, scholarships and continuing education. It’s a real feel-good story. I’m super proud, so happy. They empower the youth to go out into their community and give back. The work that they carry for generations to come, to share the values, the lessons they’ve learned over the course of their journey, that’s what we need. We need to continue to inspire.”

With many community groups and organizations struggling to access funds and resources these days, Tardi encourages people to contribute in whatever ways they can.

“Don’t wait to get involved. We all have a responsibility to our community. We can’t expect that government can fill every need. We all have a social responsibility to come together and help each other out. Giving something back to a community member that may not have food on their table or the ability to read a book, you are transforming their life in a monumental way,” Tardi said, adding that while many of us have food on the table and a healthy family, that isn’t the reality for all community members.

“When we see people on the street experiencing homelessness and addictions, those are our community members. We have the responsibility to help them on their journey. The energy that you feel when you give back to somebody else — even just have a conversation with somebody — you help them feel better about their day. I would encourage people to get involved in any community organization, learn about other community members. It goes a long way to helping them. You don’t have to give a lot to have an impact in somebody’s life. Opening a door, smiling at somebody, can transform their day.”

Tardi notes the importance of respecting the century old history of the organization while also recognizing the need to change with the times.

“Our club is specifically for men,” he said, adding that there are a number of Kin and Kinette clubs for women as well. “We need, as a service based group, to define ways to be more inclusive. That’s something we are working towards. It’s important to recognize: although we are a men’s club, we are very active in supporting various female-based organizations.”

Tardi wants Kinsmen to remain a meaningful organization, highlighting that members aren’t just showing up at a meeting, but going out and serving the community.

“We can’t help but feel discouraged by what’s taking place in our world today. We all have an ability to wake up every single day and choose how we are going to react to those situations. I choose not to get distracted by the distractions in the world and actually get out there. Let’s focus on what we can do. I have a gratitude for the things that I have and I just want to continue to give back.”

Visit kinsmenclub.com

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca